Flowers for Winter

Winter is quickly approaching, and, according to weather forecasts, it's going to be another brutal winter. Start planning now to stave off the winter blues by adding colorful plants around your home. One way you can do this is by forcing bulbs.

The two easiest bulbs to grow indoors are paperwhites and amaryllis because they do not require pre-chilling or cold storage before growing and blooming indoors.

However most spring bulbs can be grown indoors if you allow a chilling period.

To learn more about forcing bulbs, read this pamphlet from the Kansas State Extension Office, or this guide written by the Iowa State University Extension Office.

Also consider growing colorful houseplants such as African violets, orchids, or Christmas cactus. You can find more information about choosing house plants in the Lawn and Garden Neighborhood at the library.